Palestine in Anderson County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Site of Palestine Service Men's Club, World War II

Photographed by James Hulse, May 16, 2024

1. Site of Palestine Service Men's Club, World War II Marker

Inscription. Since 1872, the railroad has been a defining aspect of Palestine. During World War II, with the town more than a hundred miles from the nearest military installation, the railroad gave local citizens the opportunity to show their support to trainloads of soldiers passing through the city.

In June 1942, area residents organized a service group inspired by, but independent from, the United Service Organizations (USO). Zula Hanks oversaw the fundraising, chaperoning and management of the club, operated by scores of local women. Volunteers offered refreshments, letter-writing materials, music, dancing and conversation in the club's room at the O'Neil Hotel at this site across Spring Street from the railroad tracks. The women also took sandwiches and cookies to distribute to the soldiers unable to leave the trains. Additionally, the Palestine group financially supported a separate Negro Service Club that served African American troops who often rode at the back of the trains farther down the line from this point.

Military service people from around the country voiced their gratitude for Palestine's hospitality through recorded messages on "Recordgrams" and in countless letters. The volunteers continued their outpouring of support through the final days of the war, and the last troop train came through town on January

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1, 1946. Today, the story of the Palestine Club demonstrates the community's commitment to World War II service on the home front.

Erected 2006 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 13656.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • War, World II • Women. A significant historical date for this entry is January 1, 1946.

Location. 31° 45.712′ N, 95° 38.057′ W. Marker is in Palestine, Texas, in Anderson County. It is at the intersection of West Spring Street (U.S. 287) and North Queen Street, on the right when traveling west on West Spring Street. The marker is located along the highway next to a wall from the old building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 315 West Spring Street, Palestine TX 75801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South

and in the Piney Woods.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Sacred Heart Church (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Palestine Carnegie Library (about 500 feet away); Eilenberger's Bakery (about 700 feet away); Site of St. Mary's Academy (about 700 feet away); John H. Reagan (approx. 0.2 miles away); Anderson County in the Civil War (approx. 0.2 miles away); Palestine Lodge No. 31, A.F. & A.Μ. (approx. 0.2 miles away); Kolstad Jewelers (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Palestine.

The view of the Marker along the highway. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, May 16, 2024

2. The view of the Marker along the highway.

Artwork supporting the Veterans next to the marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, May 16, 2024

3. Artwork supporting the Veterans next to the marker

Credits. This page was last revised on May 18, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 18, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 393 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 18, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.